Eight Buckeyes selected as All-Americans

With the College Football Awards taking place Thursday night, the Walter Camp All-America team was also announced. The Walter Camp team is the oldest and perhaps the most prestigious All-America squad, but is not to be outdone by the CBS Sports and Sports Illustrated All-America teams, announced earlier this week as well.

First-team All-Americans: defensive end Joey Bosa (Walter Camp, CBS Sports, Sports Illustrated), offensive tackle Taylor Decker (Camp, CBS , SI), safety Vonn Bell (SI)

Second-team All-Americans: running back Ezekiel Elliott (SI), offensive lineman Pat Elflein (SI), linebacker Raekwon McMillan (SI), linebacker Darron Lee (SI), defensive tackle Adolphus Washington (CBS)

Honorable mention by Sports Illustrated: linebacker Joshua Perry, punter Cameron Johnston

This is the second consecutive season that Joey Bosa has been named a first-team Walter Camp All-American. He finished his junior year regular season with 47 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, five sacks, four pass breakups, and 14 quarterback pressures. He also brought in an impressive interception against That Team Up North and forced a fumble as well. Named the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year in December, Bosa’s trophy case continues to grow as he continues to show that he is one of the best defensive players in the country.

Foregoing the NFL Draft to return to Columbus for one more year, Taylor Decker was rewarded by being named a first-team All-American. A co-captain for his senior season, Decker was a force along an offensive line that allowed the Buckeyes to averaged 241.9 yards on the ground per game, 12th nationally and first in the Big Ten. The three-year starter, who started 41 consecutive games, was also named the Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year and a unanimous first-team all-Big Ten selection.

The fact that Ezekiel Elliott was only named a second-team All-American shows how many good running backs there are in the country. The junior led the Big Ten in rushing, scoring, and all-purpose yards. He also ranked fourth nationally in rushing yards and was tied for second in rushing touchdowns.

Vonn Bell, who was the quarterback of the Silver Bullets in 2015, joined former Buckeye and now Duke Blue Devil Jeremy Cash as Sports Illustrated’s All-American safeties. Bell led Ohio State with 11 passes defended and two interceptions, to go along with two defensive touchdowns. The junior was also fourth on the team in tackles (63) and a first-team All-Big Ten selection.

Redshirt junior guard Pat Elflein was named to the all-conference team for the second time this season, and was highlighted by Sports Illustrated for his efforts on the offensive line this year alongside Decker.

Darron Lee, who managed 59 tackles and nine tackles for loss, six quarterback hurries, an interception, and plenty of good plays in pass coverage, was one of five Buckeyes selected onto Sports Illustrated’s All-America second team.

Senior defensive lineman Adolphus Washington, who was named a second-team All-Big Ten selection, finished his 2015 campaign with 49 tackles, seven tackles for loss, four sacks, four quarterback hurries, and a superb pick-six. (And one citation for solicitating.)